PLC & Instrumentation Tech

Dairy Farmers of America•Houston, TX

16h

About The Position

Install, monitor, and repair programmable logic controller (PLC) devices and related hardware and software. Support PLCs, human-machine interfaces (HMIs), instrumentation, and other electronics to ensure equipment operates at desired capacity and produces quality products. Work with limited supervision, address complex problems and new assignments, and serve as a subject matter resource. The role includes maintaining equipment throughout the plant and plant utilities, supporting users and technicians, training and mentoring team members, documenting procedures, and communicating issues that may affect production efficiency. The technician also follows applicable safety, regulatory, food safety, quality, sanitation, and good manufacturing practice requirements.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Four to six years of industrial maintenance electrical, PLC, or related experience; manufacturing experience is preferred.
Knowledge of PLC control systems, power distribution systems, sensors, transmitters, automatic valves, and integrated electromechanical systems.
Basic knowledge of boilers, air compressors, ammonia refrigeration systems, and wastewater systems.
General knowledge of blueprints and ability to read equipment specifications and installation instructions.
Ability to read blueprints and ladder logic.
Ability to perform required preventative, productive, predictive, and scheduled maintenance procedures.
Ability to perform electrical repairs, including motor wiring, motor starter fuses, and basic electrical troubleshooting and repairs.
Ability to perform complex activities and repairs independently and complete projects from planning through installation.
Ability to present options and ideas for current processes or procedures, adapt effectively to change, work in a team, and diagnose problems and identify solutions.
Accuracy and attention to detail; clear and effective verbal and written communication.
Ability to perform arithmetic using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
Ability to read, write, and speak English.
A state-certified electrician license and other certifications and/or licenses may be required during employment.

Nice To Haves

Graduation from a trade school or technical school, preferably in industrial automation, electricity-electronics, PLC, or a related area.
Industrial maintenance experience in a manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

Troubleshoot, repair, and adjust control systems, including PLCs, HMIs, and field devices.
Troubleshoot, repair, and adjust power and motor control systems and frequency drives.
Locate, diagnose, and repair problems causing equipment downtime or unsatisfactory performance.
Perform scheduled and unscheduled work, including preventative and predictive maintenance, to support zero downtime and 100% efficiency goals.
Monitor PLC devices and systems and test connections between PLC devices and other equipment.
Conduct regular safety inspections.
Use the computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) to maintain accurate parts inventory and asset-performance records.
Maintain and repair equipment in all plant areas and utilities, and assist with setup and installation of new equipment utilities, such as compressed air/pneumatics, water systems, refrigeration, steam, heat, and ventilation.
Provide technical support to users and other technicians.
Train and mentor team members, including technicians and operators.
Document and maintain procedural documents.
Communicate with departments, management, and employees about problems or concerns that could restrict production efficiency.
Stay current on products, equipment, technology, and techniques.
Identify opportunities to improve processes using a continuous-improvement mindset.
Maintain safe working conditions and comply with state and federal health and safety regulations.
Follow DFA good manufacturing practices and corporate regulatory, food safety, quality, and sanitation requirements.
Perform other duties as assigned.